Barbara Knox – Age 88
What was supposed to be a cameo appearance for Barbara Knox in Coronation Street turned into a career-long role for the actress? Rita Tanner was never meant to be a permanent character in “Coronations Street” when she appeared in 1964. But Knox ensured she made a lasting impression, and by 1972 she was a regular cast member.
She eventually became a staple on the soap and is regarded as one of the longest-serving soap opera actresses in the world. She is the second longest-serving cast member on Coronation Street behind William Roach, who starred in every episode since the first one. In 2021 she was still starring as Tanner.
